Info for GPs

How to Refer

The most common form of referral to my practice is the Mental Health Care Plan. Medicare Better Access allows for an initial 6 individual sessions (and 10 group sessions for eligible clients) of Psychological treatment with Medicare rebates of $84.80 per session. Following a Mental Health Care Plan Review, clients can receive an additional 4 sessions of individual psychological treatment in one calendar year.

There is no standard form for referrals. It can be a letter or note that the referring medical practitioner has signed and dated.

The referring practitioner can refer for up to six services on one referral (course of treatment). There may be two or more courses of treatment in a patient’s calendar year, as long as 10 sessions per calendar year are not exceeded.

Patients need a new referral for each subsequent course of treatment.

Medical practitioners should include in their referral:
• the patient’s diagnosis
• the number of treatment services the patient needs
to receive, and
• a statement that a Mental Health Treatment Plan or
a psychiatrist assessment and management plan is in
place (if the referral is from a GP). GPs can also include a
copy of the plan if it’s appropriate and the patient agrees.

Referrals are valid for the stated number of services,
not for a calendar year. Unused services don’t expire and
can be used in following years.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I may be of assistance to you or your clients.

As a free community service and to celebrate the opening of my new psychology practice PSYCoaching, I am offering GP clinics and community organisations a free 10-15 minute training seminar, at your premises, on Mental Health First Aidand Working with clients who are reluctant to seek treatment. Feel free to have your practice manager contact me on the 0474-659-432 to arrange a suitable time and to tailor a presentation to one that suit your needs.

I obtained my first psychology degree in 2001. I have many years experience working with adults in anxiety and depressive disorders. I have 6 years experience working with children and adolescents. My workis primarily through a cognitive-behavioural model. I have held senior and managing roles in occupational psychology, assisting GPs on a daily basis to manage Workcover claims to rehabilitate injured workers. Please see the “about” section for a list of competencies.

I use a holistic, best-practice approach that is suited to the individual needs of the client. Depending on client needs, the evidence-based approach taken may involve a mix of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Emotion-Focused Relationship Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Brief and Solution-Focused Therapies. I use only best-practice, up-to-date psychological strategies that are scientifically proven to be effective.